5 Flat Fee MLS Companies in Columbia
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Joseph Gordon EditorClose
Joseph Gordon EditorJoseph Gordon is an Editor with HomeLight. He has several years of experience reporting on the commercial real estate and insurance industries.
Choosing the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) approach in Kansas City can make it harder to connect with buyers. Most buyers and agents rely on the multiple listing service (MLS) when searching for homes. Because MLS access is typically limited to licensed agents, FSBO listings can miss out on valuable exposure. A flat fee MLS Columbia service solves this by allowing you to list on the MLS for a set price without paying traditional agent commissions.
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In this article, we’ll break down the ins and outs of using a flat fee MLS listing service in Columbia. We’ll cover costs, local companies, potential benefits and drawbacks, and whether this approach is right for your situation.
What is a flat fee MLS listing service in Columbia?
A flat fee MLS listing service allows FSBO sellers to list their homes on the local MLS without hiring a traditional real estate agent. The MLS is a database that licensed agents use to share property listings, making it a valuable resource for reaching buyers and their agents.
Since only licensed real estate professionals can list homes on the MLS, a flat fee MLS service provides a workaround for FSBO sellers. Instead of paying a full agent commission, sellers pay a one-time fee to have their home listed. This approach increases exposure, as many popular home search websites pull their listings directly from the MLS.
How much does a flat fee MLS service cost in Columbia?
The cost of a flat fee MLS service in Columbia can vary widely. Some companies offer basic listing packages for as little as $100, while others charge several thousand dollars, depending on the level of service. More expensive plans often include additional features, such as enhanced marketing support or a comparative market analysis to help you price your home competitively.
Flat fee MLS listing companies in Columbia
iSave Realty
iSave Realty provides professional flat fee MLS listing services throughout South Carolina, including key markets such as Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Greenville. The company is dedicated to helping homeowners gain maximum exposure for their properties while keeping more of their equity.
Sellers benefit from access to essential real estate forms, tools, and guidance that make the process straightforward and transparent. By offering cost-effective alternatives to traditional agent commissions, iSave Realty empowers clients to take control of their home sales.
Service areas: Throughout South Carolina, including Columbia
- Silver: $299 for a 12-month listing term and the maximum number of photos allowed
- Gold: $399 for Silver inclusions, contract reviews, and sales strategy advice
iSave Realty earned a 4.7-star rating on Google, with several clients sharing that their experience was excellent from start to finish. The listing process was simple, transparent, and easy to navigate. They appreciate the team’s responsiveness and expert guidance throughout the sale. Sellers also highlight the significant savings in commission costs, calling the service an affordable and highly effective option for selling property in South Carolina.
Website: isaverealty.com
Phone number: 855-279-6624
Flat Fee Susie
Flat Fee Susie has been serving the FSBO community for nearly two decades, offering expert flat fee MLS listing services across multiple states, including South Carolina. The company’s founder serves as the broker in most states, supported by experienced local listing agents who deliver top-tier service and ensure sellers get more value than they pay for.
By listing properties on the MLS, clients gain professional exposure while avoiding the typical agent commission costs, which can amount to tens of thousands of dollars on a standard home sale.
Service areas: Nationwide, including Columbia
- Package 1: $99 for a six-month listing term, up to six listing photos, lead forwarding, forms and disclosures, and unlimited listing changes
- Package 2: $199 for Package 1 inclusions, up to 50 photos, Realtor showing scheduling service, and open house postings
- Full Service: $1,200 for a 12-month listing term, full seller agent representation, yard sign, lockbox, and negotiations
Flat Fee Susie earned a high average review score of 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google. Clients say the company provides outstanding support throughout the home-selling process.
Many appreciate that the company empowers sellers to handle their own listings and showings while offering expert guidance when needed. Reviewers note the team’s professionalism, timely communication, and helpful advice, all delivered without pressure.
Website: flatfeesusie.com
Phone number: 615-364-0948
ByOwner.com
ByOwner.com, established in 1996, provides homeowners with an affordable alternative to conventional real estate services. It enables sellers to list their properties on the MLS for a flat fee, expanding exposure to a wide pool of buyers while reducing commission costs.
The flat fee MLS company designed its listing packages to be cost-effective, catering to sellers mindful of their budget. Its services give homeowners greater control over important aspects of the sales process.
Service areas: Nationwide, including Columbia, South Carolina
Listing fee (price varies by location): $195 for a six-month listing term, up to 50 photos, yard sign, social media marketing, brochures, and real estate forms and contracts
ByOwner.com has earned an A+ grade from the BBB and a 4.2-star rating on Google, reflecting its commitment to ethical and reliable business practices. Sellers report that the platform simplifies the home-selling process, often enabling transactions to close within a few months. They praise the responsive support and clear guidance provided throughout, describing the service as dependable, user-friendly, and an efficient way to sell a property.
Website: byowner.com
Phone number: 1-800-296-9637
Homecoin
Homecoin provides an affordable flat fee MLS service for homeowners looking to sell their properties. Listings appear on the MLS and are syndicated to leading real estate websites, maximizing visibility to potential buyers. Flexible flat fee packages allow sellers to stay in control of the most important elements of the sale, from pricing and showings to negotiations.
Service areas: South Carolina and other states, like California, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, and New York
- Basic: $149 for a 12-month listing term, up to 25 photos, 10 free listing changes, and disclosure forms
- Review: $99 + $149 (MLS listing fee) for Basic inclusions, listing form review, up to 1 hour of live support via phone and screenshare
- Full Service: $299 + $149 (MLS listing fee) for Review inclusions, up to 1.5 hours of live support, kick-off call, and dedicated staff member
Homecoin holds a 4.4-star rating on Google, as several clients commend the affordable, user-friendly platform for listing homes. Reviewers appreciate how easy it is to navigate, making it a practical option for managing a sale independently of an agent.
They often highlight the significant savings compared to traditional methods and note that the process is simple and effective across multiple transactions. Clients recommend Homecoin as a dependable, cost-efficient solution for selling property.
Website: homecoin.com
Phone number: 888-400-2513
beycome
beycome is a real estate platform built on the belief that homeowners can confidently manage their own property sales. Its streamlined digital system simplifies every step of the process, offering the tools and guidance needed for success.
On average, users save about $13,000 while keeping full control of their transactions. By combining technology with transparency, beycome empowers sellers to retain more of their home equity and redefine the way real estate is done.
Service areas: South Carolina and other states, including California, Connecticut, Florida, Tennessee, and Texas
- Basic: $99 for listing on the local MLS and real estate websites, maximum MLS photos allowed, open house scheduler, home visit manager tool, and online offers and messaging dashboard
- Enhanced: $399 for Basic inclusions, 25x professional HDR pictures, customizable flyers and brochure, personalized yard sign, digital ads for social media sharing, and virtual tour
- Concierge: $999 for Enhanced inclusions, comparative market analysis, drone pictures, immersive 3D tour, and dedicated closing coordinator
With trust at the core of every transaction, beycome has earned 4.4 stars on Google. Clients describe the company as a reliable real estate agency that simplifies the home-selling process.
Many appreciate how quickly they can list their property and manage everything independently, without relying on a real estate agent. With accessible support and significant savings on commissions, sellers often recommend beycome as a smart, hassle-free alternative to traditional selling methods.
Website: beycome.com
Phone number: 804-656-5007
How would a Columbia seller benefit from a flat fee MLS service?
A flat fee MLS listing service can be a cost-effective way to sell your home if you’re comfortable handling the transaction yourself. By using this type of service, you avoid paying the real estate commission that typically goes to a listing agent, which is usually 2.5% to 3% of the sale price. Instead, you pay a fixed fee upfront to get your home listed on the MLS, though you may still need to offer a commission to the buyer’s agent to sweeten the deal.
This option works best for sellers who have experience in real estate or are prepared to take on the full responsibility of selling their home. You’ll need to handle pricing, marketing, showings, negotiations, and paperwork on your own. Here are some key situations where a flat fee MLS service might be a good fit:
- You want to save on commission costs: A FSBO sale can reduce or eliminate listing agent fees, potentially saving you thousands.
- You have a desirable home in a strong market: If demand is high, a well-priced home may attract buyers quickly once it’s listed on the market.
- You prefer to control your sale: If you have experience selling real estate or enjoy managing negotiations, a flat fee MLS service allows you to take charge.
- You don’t want to work with a listing agent: You’re confident that you can take on the work that licensed agents do.
- You have time and energy to handle the details: Selling without an agent means you must manage tasks such as setting the selling price, creating a listing description, coordinating showings and open houses, and reviewing offers.
By choosing to go FSBO with a flat fee MLS service, you’ll need to manage disclosures, negotiate the terms, and ensure all contract details are handled correctly. If you’re up for the challenge, this method could be a smart way to sell your home while saving money.
Pros and cons of using a flat fee MLS listing service
Using a flat fee MLS service has its advantages, but it also comes with challenges. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide if this approach is right for you.
Pros:
- Eliminates the listing agent’s commission: You’ll be able to avoid agent fees, typically 2.5% to 3% of the sale price, which can lead to significant savings.
- Gives you control over the sale: You make all the decisions, from pricing to negotiations.
- Provides upfront pricing: You pay a fixed rate for the service instead of a commission based on the home’s sale price.
- Gets your home listed on the MLS: This increases exposure to potential buyers and their agents.
- Expands visibility: Your listing can appear on major home search sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Trulia.
Cons:
- Reduces total commission savings: Most buyers work with an agent, and offering a competitive commission (typically 2.5% to 3%) helps attract them.
- Requires a lot of time and effort: Handling offers, negotiating, and paperwork can be time-consuming and complex.
- Forces you to manage the entire transaction by yourself: Without an agent, you won’t have professional support to navigate potential pitfalls.
- Increases legal risks: Mistakes in disclosures or contracts could lead to liability issues.
- Fetches a lower sale price: Without an agent’s expertise, pricing or marketing missteps could lead to selling for less money than with a full-service agent.
How do I list my home with a flat fee MLS service?
If you decide to sell your home using a flat fee MLS service, you’ll need to follow a few key steps to get your property listed:
Step 1: Research and vet flat fee MLS services
Look into available services in Columbia, comparing their pricing, packages, and customer reviews. Check Google reviews and verify the company’s reputation with the BBB to avoid potential scams or misleading claims.
Step 2: Register and choose a plan
Sign up on the flat fee MLS company’s website, select the package that fits your needs, and pay the upfront fee. Be sure to review what’s included in your plan, such as the number of photos allowed, listing duration, and any additional marketing services.
Step 3: Enter your property details
Fill out the listing form with essential details about your home, including square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and special features. Upload high-quality photos and, if available, complete any disclosure forms provided by the service.
Step 4: Sign your listing agreement
Before your home is listed, you’ll need to sign a listing agreement with the flat fee MLS service. Read the terms carefully, ensuring you understand cancellation policies and any restrictions regarding your ability to switch to a full-service agent later.
Step 5: Review and publish your listing
Once submitted, your listing will go live on the MLS and often appear on popular real estate websites like Zillow and Realtor.com. However, it may take a couple of days for your listing to be fully processed. Double-check your listing’s accuracy and make updates if needed.
By following these steps, you can successfully list your home on the MLS without hiring a traditional agent — while maintaining control over the sale.
Are flat fee MLS listings effective in Columbia?
A flat fee MLS listing can be an effective way to reach buyers in Columbia. Most homebuyers begin their search online, and major real estate websites pull their listings from the MLS. This means that getting your home listed on the MLS significantly increases visibility.
Additionally, buyer’s agents rely on MLS data to find properties that match their clients’ needs. By listing your home with a flat fee MLS service, you ensure that your property appears in searches conducted by local agents and their buyers, making it a key marketing tool for selling FSBO.
Get a near-instant real estate house price estimate from HomeLight for free. Our tool analyzes the records of recently sold homes near you, your home’s last sale price, and other market trends to provide a preliminary range of value in under two minutes.
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Alternatives to flat fee MLS services in Columbia
If you’re unsure whether a flat fee MLS service is the right fit for your home sale, there are other options to consider.
Option 1: Flat fee real estate agent: A flat-fee real estate agent offers limited services for a fixed price rather than charging a percentage-based commission. These fees typically range from $3,000 to $5,000, though some agents charge extra for additional services. This option allows you to save on commission costs while still receiving some professional guidance.
Option 2: Discount real estate broker: A discount real estate broker charges a lower commission than traditional agents — usually between 1% and 2% — instead of a flat fee. While you’ll still pay a commission, you may get additional services like marketing support, contract negotiation, and pricing advice.
Option 3: Traditional real estate agent: A full-service Realtor provides comprehensive support, handling pricing, marketing, negotiations, and paperwork. While traditional agents charge a higher commission, they often help sellers get a higher sale price, which can offset the cost of their services. Experienced agents also have local market expertise, which can be valuable in a competitive real estate environment.
Each option comes with trade-offs in cost, support, and control over the sale. The right choice depends on your priorities and how involved you want to be in the selling process.
Will I save money with a flat fee MLS listing service?
Using a flat fee MLS listing service can help you save on commission costs, but it may not always result in the highest profit. While you avoid paying the typical 2.5% to 3% listing agent commission, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) data shows that FSBO homes tend to sell significantly less than agent-represented properties.
The median sale price of an FSBO home was $360,000, compared to $425,000 for homes sold with an agent. So while a flat fee MLS service can reduce upfront costs, it’s important to weigh the potential trade-off in your final sale price before deciding on this approach.
What if I need to sell my Columbia home fast?
If you need to sell your home quickly, a We Buy Houses company or an iBuyer could be an option. These firms can purchase your home in as little as a few days, often in its current condition. However, they typically offer less than what you might get on the open market, making them a trade-off between speed and profit.
Another option is HomeLight’s Simple Sale, which connects sellers with buyers who can close quickly. Simple Sale provides a way to sell fast while still exploring offers from potential buyers, or you can work with a local agent to speed up a traditional home sale.
What else should I know about selling a house in Columbia?
While using a flat fee MLS listing service can be a cost-effective way to sell your home, you still need to comply with local real estate laws. Columbia home sellers must adhere to disclosure requirements, which involve providing accurate information about the property’s condition. Hiring a real estate attorney can help you navigate the legal complexities of contracts and disclosures, reducing the risk of costly mistakes.
Aside from legalities, you must know these things when selling FSBO:
- Flat fee MLS services require upfront payment: Unlike traditional agents, who only get paid when the home sells, you pay for a flat fee MLS listing regardless of the outcome.
- Some services frequently rebrand: Research carefully, as some flat fee companies change names often, making it harder to verify their reputation.
- Sellers directly communicate with buyers: Many flat fee MLS services list the seller’s contact details, so you’ll be responsible for scheduling showings and answering inquiries.
- Sellers have limited or no support: Unlike a traditional agent, these services typically don’t assist with pricing strategy, marketing, or negotiations.
- Agent commissions can still be negotiated: Even with a full-service agent, you may be able to negotiate commission rates to reduce overall costs.
Ready to sell your Columbia home?
Selling a home on your own can be time-consuming and requires handling all aspects of the transaction yourself. Before deciding on a flat fee MLS listing service, here’s what to keep in mind:
Key takeaways:
- A flat fee MLS service can help you list your home while avoiding listing agent commissions.
- Depending on negotiations, you may still need to pay the buyer’s agent commission to sweeten or speed up the deal.
- Managing pricing, marketing, negotiations, and paperwork will be your responsibility.
- While you might save on commission fees, FSBO homes often sell for less than agent-listed properties.
If you’re set on selling FSBO, take the time to research flat fee MLS services carefully to ensure you get the exposure and support you need. If you’d like to explore other options, HomeLight can help you find an experienced agent who knows the Columbia market and can confidently help you sell.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links to and mentions of Columbia area flat fee MLS companies are not endorsements. Moreover, the program details mentioned above may change. Visit the company’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Header Image Source: (Cody Silver/Unsplash)
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